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Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Creamy Avocado Kale Pasta

My Bachelor watching group is a huge fan of this simple avocado cream pasta sauce recipe. We've doctored it up all sorts of ways, including using basil instead of parsley, adding white beans, etc. It has never failed us.

Seeing as there hasn't been a Bachelor season in a while, I was really missing this pasta. (Not to mention seeing Zenie and Ashleigh on a weekly basis!)

I pulled out the old recipe the other night and put a bit of a new spin on it. It turned out so creamy and delicious, I literally licked the plate (and the pan and the food processor). Avocado + kale is the best combination.

Lemony Avocado Kale Pasta
Serves: 2

Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
1/2 box whole wheat spaghetti

1 lemon

1 avocado, halved and pitted
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic

1 bunch kale, rinsed and chopped

Pinch of red pepper flakes

Plenty of salt and fresh-ground pepper

Directions:
1. Bring salted water to a boil in a medium sized pot. Add in your pasta and cook until al dente.

2. While the water heats up, make your sauce by combining one clove of garlic, juice of 1/2 lemon, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, avocado, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a food processor.

3. As the pasta is cooking, heat the other tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add in 1 clove of minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Saute until fragrant.

4. Add your kale and the juice of the other half of lemon. Saute for a few more minutes, until kale is soft.

5. When pasta is done cooking, drain and rinse in a strainer. Toss thoroughly with the avocado sauce and kale. Garnish with additional pepper, fresh Parmesan, fresh basil, etc.

Note: this pasta is REALLY lemony. If lemon isn't your thing, it's probably not for you. Also, it would be great with some white beans or grilled chicken mixed in for added protein.